When You’re Wondering, “Is It Time?” Understanding Your Animal Companion’s Quality of Life
One of the hardest conversations we ever have as pet owners isn’t about saying goodbye.
It’s about knowing when our companion’s quality of life is beginning to change.
Unlike many medical decisions, there isn’t usually a single moment when everything shifts. More often, it’s a series of small changes that happen gradually over time.
A favorite walk becomes a little shorter.
Meals aren’t quite as exciting.
Getting up from a nap takes a little longer.
The joyful moments are still there, but you begin to wonder if they’re becoming fewer.
Those are incredibly difficult questions to carry alone.
Looking Beyond “Good” and “Bad”
As a groomer, I’ve had the privilege of knowing many companions throughout every stage of their lives.
I’ve watched puppies grow into confident adults, adults become gentle seniors, and families navigate the changes that naturally come with aging.
One thing I’ve learned is that quality of life isn’t always measured by one difficult day.
Instead, it’s often the overall pattern that tells the story.
That’s why I was so grateful to discover the work of Dr. Alice Villalobos and, more recently, the wonderful educational resources shared by Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice.
Their Quality of Life Scale and Good Days/Bad Days Calendar give families a gentle, objective way to step back and notice the bigger picture.
Sometimes those tools provide reassurance.
Sometimes they bring clarity.
Most importantly, they can help families have meaningful conversations with their veterinarian before a crisis occurs.
There Isn’t a Perfect Score
One of the things I appreciate most about these resources is that they don’t tell you what decision to make.
Instead, they encourage thoughtful observation.
How is your companion eating?
Are they still finding joy in the things they love?
Are they comfortable?
Are there still more good days than difficult ones?
Those answers will look different for every family, and that’s okay.
You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
Whether you’re just beginning to notice changes or you’re already facing difficult decisions, know that you don’t have to carry those questions by yourself.
Your veterinarian remains the best resource for medical guidance and recommendations specific to your companion.
If you’re looking for practical tools to help organize your observations, I encourage you to explore the resources below.
BEGIN WITH A QUALITY OF LIFE CALENDAR
When emotions are high, it can be difficult to remember when a change began or recognize how often it is happening.
The free Kindred Crossing Companion Animal Quality of Life Calendar offers a gentle way to observe six areas of daily life:
• Mobility
• Nutrition
• Hydration
• Interaction and attitude
• Elimination and hygiene
• Favorite activities
Use the one-week daily diary to become familiar with the scoring system. Then use the monthly calendar to record each day’s total or simply mark the day as good, mixed, or difficult.
The calendar cannot tell you what decision to make. It can help you notice patterns, organize your thoughts, and prepare for a meaningful conversation with your veterinarian.
additional trusted resources
The resources below were created by respected veterinary professionals and organizations. While they are not a substitute for veterinary care, they can be incredibly helpful tools for organizing your observations and preparing for conversations with your veterinarian.
Interactive Quality of Life Assessment & Daily Diary (Lap of Love)
If you’re looking for one place to begin, this interactive assessment and daily diary can help you track meaningful changes over time. Recording observations each day often makes gradual changes easier to recognize than relying on memory alone.
Download the Interactive Assessment & Daily Diary
Dr. Alice Villalobos’ Quality of Life Scale
Developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos, the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale offers a thoughtful framework for evaluating comfort, mobility, happiness, hydration, nutrition, and overall well-being. It has become one of the most widely used quality-of-life assessment tools in veterinary medicine.
View the Quality of Life Scale & Calendar
Watch: Looking Beyond a Single Day
In this short video, Dr. Mary Gardner of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice explains why tracking your companion’s good days and more difficult days can provide clarity during an emotional time and support meaningful conversations with your veterinary team.
A quick recap:
How do I know when my dog’s quality of life is changing?
Changes in appetite, mobility, behavior, sleep, or interest in favorite activities can all be signs that your companion’s needs are changing. Every situation is unique, which is why thoughtful observation and conversations with your veterinarian are so important.
Does Kindred Crossing provide medical advice?
No. Kindred Crossing complements veterinary care by offering education, compassionate guidance, and support as families navigate quality-of-life conversations and difficult decisions.
Can I reach out before my companion is actively transitioning?
Absolutely. Many families find it helpful to have conversations early, long before a crisis arises. Planning ahead often brings greater confidence and peace of mind.